A historic pub in the city centre looks set to reopen almost two years since its closure. The Ship Inn on Lower Park Row is now reportedly under new ownership, with a trio of new landlords at the helm.
At the time of its closure back in March 2023, its owners Tony Zaremba-Wyczlinski and Ola Oyrzanowska – who had previously owned the award-winning George Inn in Lacock village – said the pub had growing debts during the Covid period and grants were only enough to pay the electric and gas bill. They added that the building was in major need of a refurbishment, with the pub and flat above having a problem with mould and the roof and windows leaking.
The pub was known for its karaoke nights and being in close proximity to the Bristol Beacon (then known as the Colston Hall) making for the ideal place for a pre-show drink.
Its new landlords are hoping to offer a similar vibe to that of The Ship Inn’s now sister venues – The Barrelhouse on Gordon Road in Clifton, and the Vittoria on Whiteladies Road. According to The Ship Inn’s Instagram page, it’s now described as a “pub/dive bar”, and will open on October 29.
Posts to the page include a number of sneak peek videos, captioned: “The Ship Inn is back”. One post details that the new pub will offer “cocktails, shuffleboard and events” in addition to NHS discount, happy hour everyday between 3-8pm, student discount, local office discount, and pre and post gig deals.
One commenter said: “The question on everyone’s lips: Will there be karaoke Fridays?”